In this message from our Messianic Prophecy series, we trace how Jesus’ ministry aligns with key Old Testament expectations of the Messiah. From Isaiah 35’s promise that the blind would see and the deaf would hear, to Jesus’ own answer to John the Baptist in Matthew 11, the Gospels record works that identified Him as the promised Christ. We also consider why many in Israel rejected the kingdom offer—illustrated by the leaders’ response to Lazarus’ resurrection in John 11—and how this rejection postpones the kingdom’s fulfillment to the future millennium.
Jesus is not only the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18; Acts 3:22–23) but also David’s Lord (Psalm 110; Matthew 22:41–46), openly claiming deity. We survey His prophetic teaching in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25) and why He taught in parables (Psalm 78; Matthew 13)—to reveal “mysteries” to disciples while confirming Israel’s hardness as foretold by Isaiah. Finally, Isaiah 53 underscores the sinlessness of the suffering Servant, essential for His atoning death.
Key Scriptures: Isaiah 35; Matthew 11; John 11:47–53; Deuteronomy 18:15–18; Acts 3:22–23; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 22:41–46; Isaiah 42:1–4 (cf. Matthew 12:9–21); Isaiah 53:9 (cf. 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15); Psalm 78:1–4 (cf. Matthew 13:10–17, 34–35); Matthew 24–25.
